Eurotopics.net

The far-right party Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), a junior partner in the Czech coalition government led by Czech parliamentary speaker Tomio Okamura, has been fined by a Prague court for displaying election posters deemed to incite hatred. The judge ruled that the posters had stirred up hatred against refugees. Commentators debate the pros and cons of the judgement.

The French-Iranian artist Marjane Satrapi has died in Paris at the age of 56. She gained global renown for her autobiographical graphic novel Persepolis. In 2025 she was offered France's highest award, the Legion of Honour, but refused it. Satrapi was highly critical of France's refusal to grant visas to young Iranian dissidents and artists. The press pays tribute to the artist and her work.

This year's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (Spief) opened on Wednesday. Shortly beforehand, however, Ukrainian drones set fire to the oil terminal in the port, causing thick plumes of smoke to billow over the city. Commentators examine the significance of the forum – once dubbed the "Russian Davos" – and the impact of Ukraine's attacks on Russia.

The European Union plans to establish deportation centres in non-EU countries. Representatives of the European Parliament and governments have now reached a deal, although it is not yet clear where the hubs would be located. The measure complements the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will take full effect on June 12. The press assesses the plan in terms of feasibility and compatibility with fundamental rights.